Optical substrates having light collimating and diffusion structures

ABSTRACT

An optical substrate having a structured prismatic surface and an opposing structured lenticular surface. The structured lenticular surface includes shallow-curved lens structures. Adjacent shallow-curved lens structure may be continuous or contiguous, or separated by a constant or variable spacing. The lens structure may have a longitudinal structure with a uniform or varying cross section. The lenticular lenses may have a laterally meandering structure. Sections of adjacent straight or meandering lenticular lenses may intersect or partially or completely overlap each other. The lenticular lenses may be in the form of discontinuous lenticular segments. The lenticular segments may have regular, symmetrical shapes, or irregular, asymmetrical shapes, which may be intersecting or overlapping, and may be textured. The lens structure may be provided with isolated ripples, in the form of a single knot, or a series of knots.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of (a) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/318,061 filed on Mar. 26, 2010; and (b) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/406,094 filed on Oct. 22, 2010.

All publications noted in the present application are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to optical substrates having a structured surface, particularly to optical substrates for brightness enhancement and diffusion, and more particularly to brightness enhancement and diffusion substrates for use in flat panel displays having a planar light source.

2. Description of Related Art

Flat panel display technology is commonly used in television displays, computer displays, and displays in handheld electronics (e.g., cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, tablets, etc.). Liquid crystal display (LCD) is a type of flat panel display, which deploys a liquid crystal (LC) module having an array of pixels to render an image.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an LCD display. A backlight LCD 10 comprises a liquid crystal (LC) display module 12, a planar light source in the form of a backlight module 14, and a number of optical films interposed between the LC module 12 and the backlight module 14. The LC module 12 comprises liquid crystals sandwiched between two transparent substrates, and control circuitry defining a two-dimensional array of pixels. The backlight module 14 provides planar light distribution, either of the backlit type in which the light source extends over a plane, or of the edge-lit type as shown in FIG. 1, in which a linear light source 16 is provided at an edge of a light guide 18. A reflector 20 is provided to direct light from the linear light source 16 through the edge of the light guide 18 into the light guide 18. The light guide 18 is structured (e.g., with a tapered plate and light reflective and/or scattering surfaces 30 defined on the bottom surface facing away from the LC module 12) to distribute and direct light through the top planar surface facing towards LC module 12. The optical films may include upper and lower diffuser films 22 and 24 that diffuse light from the planar surface of the light guide 18. The optical films further includes upper and lower structured surface, optical substrates 26 and 28, which redistribute the light passing through such that the distribution of the light exiting the films is directed more along the normal to the surface of the films. The optical substrates 26 and 28 are often referred in the art as luminance or brightness enhancement films, light redirecting films, and directional diffusing films. The light entering the LC module 12 through such a combination of optical films is uniform spatially over the planar area of the LC module 12 and has relatively strong normal light intensity.

The main function of brightness enhancement films 26 and 28 is to improve the brightness of overall backlight module. The effect of brightness enhancement films is to increase the amount of light emitted at small angles to the axis of the display by reducing the amount emitted at greater angles. Thus, as one looks at a display at increasing angles with respect to the axis, the perceived brightness will decline. Between 35 and 45 degrees the perceived brightness will decline very rapidly. This effect is known as a sharp cutoff.

In the backlight LCD 10, brightness enhancement films 26 and 28 use longitudinal prismatic structures to direct light along the viewing axes (i.e., normal to the display), which enhances the brightness of the light viewed by the user of the display and which allows the system to use less power to create a desired level of on-axis illumination. The brightness enhancement films 26 and 28 have a light input surface that is smooth or glossy, through which light enters from the backlight module. Heretofore, many LCDs used two brightness enhancement film layers (as in the LCD in FIG. 1) that are rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the films, relative to each other such that the longitudinal peaks/grooves in the respective film layers are at 90 degrees relative to each other, thereby collimating light along two planes orthogonal to the light output surface.

When the glossy bottom surface of the brightness enhancement film 26 above the structured surface of the other brightness enhancement film 28, it has been experienced that the optical interaction between the glossy surface of top brightness enhancement film 26 and the structured surface and/or glossy surface of the lower brightness enhancement film 28 creates undesirable visible artifacts in the display image in the form of interference fringes (i.e., bright and dark repeated patterns) that are observable in the display image. These bright and dark patterns may also be generated between the upper brightness enhancement film 26 and the adjacent surface of the LC module 12 absenting an upper diffuser film 22 (FIG. 1). Undesirable image affecting effects arising from flaws and non-uniformities such as interference fringes, cutoff effects (rainbow), physical defects, flows, stains, can be masked by using an upper diffuser film (e.g., diffuser film 22 above brightness enhancement film 26 in FIG. 1).

There is an increasing need for reducing power consumption, thickness and weight of LCDs, without compromising display quality of the LCDs. Accordingly, there is a need to reduce power consumption, weight and thickness of backlight modules, as well as thicknesses of the various optical films. In this regard, many light directing techniques have been developed to reduce power consumption without compromising display brightness. Some developments are directed to the design of the backlight module (i.e., designing structures of the components of the backlight module 14 in FIG. 1, comprising the light source 16 and reflector 20, and light guide 18, to improve overall light output performance. In addition, other developments are directed to diffuser films 22 and 24, and luminance/brightness enhancement films 26 and 28.

Heretofore, to reduce the overall thickness of the optical films in LCDs, much effort had been directed to reducing the number of the optical films, from four films (e.g., optical films 22, 24, 26 and 28 in FIG. 1) to three films. In this regard, one approach is to keep the low diffuser film 24 and low brightness enhancement film 28 as separate structures, but the functions of the top diffuser film 22 and top brightness enhancement film 26 are combined and merged into a single hybrid film structure. The three-film type display has been widely adopted in handheld electronic devices and notebooks, where it is particularly desirable to push the envelope to reduce overall size of such devices.

Various efforts also have been undertaken to develop hybrid brightness enhancement films. Referring to FIG. 2, U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,288 disclosed a coating layer of particles provided on the underside of the optical substrate, on the opposite side of the substrate with respect to the structured surface on the top side. A glossy surface is no longer present at the underside of the optical substrate. The added particles achieve the effect of scattering light for light diffusion. Referring to FIG. 3, U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,280 disclosed a method to form small projections on the underside of the optical substrate to improve uniformity in luminance by light diffusion. Such diffusion treatments will hide many of the interference fringes, making them invisible to the user. One of the disadvantages of these approaches is that light scattering decreases on-axis gain. Moreover, the hybrid brightness enhancement films are also less effective in directing light within the desirable viewing angle.

Others have explored modifying the structure of prism surface of the structured surface of the optical substrate. For example, referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, U.S. Pat. No. 6,798,574 provides fine protrusions on the prism surface of the structured surface of the optical substrate, which is supposed to spread light in a certain direction with a wider angle.

Accordingly, all the foregoing hybrid brightness enhancement films involve weakened light output directivity. Moreover, the overall brightness or luminance for the foregoing films is significantly reduced. Further, all the above-mentioned hybrid brightness enhancement films involve relatively complex structures requiring relatively higher manufacturing costs.

There remains a need for an optical substrate having a structure that both enhances brightness and provides effective diffusion, and overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art multifunctional optical films.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a diffused prism substrate having both light-collimating and light-diffusing functions. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an optical substrate that possesses a structured surface that enhances luminance or brightness by collimating light and enhances diffusion of light.

In one aspect of the present invention, the optical substrate is in the form of a film, sheet, plate, and the like, which may be flexible or rigid, having a structured prismatic surface and an opposing structured lenticular surface. In one embodiment, the structured lenticular surface includes shallow-curved lens structure (e.g., convex lens). Adjacent shallow-curved lens structure may be continuous or contiguous, or separated by a constant or variable spacing. The lens structure may have a longitudinal structure with a uniform or varying cross section. The lenticular lenses may have a laterally meandering structure. Sections of adjacent straight or meandering lenticular lenses may intersect or partially or completely overlap each other. In a further embodiment, the lenticular lenses may be in the form of lenticular segments instead of a continuous structure between opposing edges of an optical substrate. The lenticular segments may have regular, symmetrical shapes, or irregular, asymmetrical shapes, which may be intersecting or overlapping. The surfaces of lenticular lenses, including lenticular segments, may be textured to further effect diffusion.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the shallow-curved lens structure is provided with isolated ripples, in the form of a single knot, or a series of knots.

In accordance with the present invention, the structured surfaces provide both light collimation and light diffusion characteristics, which may reduce certain undesired optical effects such as wet-out, Newton's rings, interference fringes and cutoff-effect (rainbow) without significantly reducing overall brightness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, like reference numerals designate like or similar parts throughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the structure of a prior art LCD.

FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate prior art hybrid brightness enhancement optical and diffusion substrates.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the structure of a LCD, which incorporate the optical substrate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 a is a schematic perspective view of an optical substrate having structured light input and output surfaces, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6 b to 6 d are sectional views of the optical substrate in FIG. 6 a.

FIGS. 7( a) to (f) show comparative parametric study of candela distribution curves for a Lambertian light source incident at optical substrates having different light input and output surfaces.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the lenticular surface structure.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14 a to 14 f schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with another further embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15 a to 15 f schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with still a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b schematically illustrate a lenticular surface structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 are schematic views of a lenticular segment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 a to 18 d are schematic views of a lenticular segment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19 a to 19 d are schematic views of a lenticular segment in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 20 a to 20 d are schematic views of a lenticular segment in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 a is a schematic view of a lenticular segment in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 21 b is an SEM photograph of the lenticular segments in FIG. 21.

FIGS. 22 a to 22 d illustrate a knotted lenticular structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 23 a to FIG. 23 c illustrate a rippled lenticular structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 24 a and 24 b are photographs of optical substrates comparing cutoff effect.

FIG. 25 an electronic device comprising an LCD panel that incorporates the inventive optical substrate of the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The present description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This invention has been described herein in reference to various embodiments and drawings. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and improvements may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is best determined by referenced to the appended claims.

The present invention relates to a diffused prism substrate having both light-collimating and light-diffusing functions. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an optical substrate that possesses a structured surface that enhances luminance or brightness by collimating light and enhances diffusion of light. In one aspect of the present invention, the optical substrate is in the form of a film, sheet, plate, and the like, which may be flexible or rigid, having a prismatic structured surface and an opposing lenticular structured surface. In accordance with the present invention, the structured surfaces provide light diffusion characteristics, which may reduce certain undesired optical effects such as wet-out, Newton's rings or interference fringes without significantly reducing overall brightness.

In the context of the present invention, the inventive optical substrate may be adopted in display devices having display panels that may be flat or curved, and rigid or flexible, which comprise an array of display pixels. Planar light source refers to a light source that provides illumination to cover an area of the array of display pixels. Accordingly, for display panels having a curved image plane of display pixels (such panels may be rigid or flexible), the backlight would cover the array of display pixels in the curved plane, to effectively provide illumination coverage to the curved image plane.

The present invention will be further described below in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a flat panel display. A backlight LCD 110, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a liquid crystal (LC) display module 112, a planar light source in the form of a backlight module 114, and a number of optical films interposed between the LC module 112 and the backlight module 114. The LC module 112 comprises liquid crystals sandwiched between two transparent substrates, and control circuitry defining a two-dimensional array of pixels. The backlight module 114 provides planar light distribution, either of the backlit type in which the light source extends over a plane, or of the edge-lit type as shown in FIG. 5, in which a linear light source 116 is provided at an edge of a light guide 118. A reflector is provided to direct light from the linear light source 116 through the edge of the light guide 118 into the light guide 118. The light guide is structured (e.g., with a tapered or flat plate and light reflective and/or scattering surfaces defined on the bottom surface facing away from the LC module 112) to distribute and direct light through the top planar surface facing towards LC module 112. A reflector 120 may be provided to facilitate trapping light escaping through the underside of the light guide 118 and redirecting towards back to the light guide 118.

In the illustrated embodiment, there are two structured optical substrates 126 and 128 (which may be similar in structure) in accordance with the present invention, which are arranged with the longitudinal prism structures generally orthogonal between the two substrates. In FIG. 5, the two substrates 126 and 128 are schematically illustrated, which shows the prism structures on the substrates appearing parallel to one another (i.e., included angle α=0°; see also FIG. 6 a). Typically, prism structures are rotated with an include angle greater than 0°, which can be visualized without requiring further illustration. The structured optical substrates 126 and 128 are structured to diffuse light as well as enhance luminance or brightness, redirecting light out of the display. The light entering the LC module 112 through such a combination of optical films is uniform spatially over the planar area of the LC module 112 and has relatively strong normal light intensity. The structured optical substrate 126 and 128 obviate the need for a separate diffuser sheet between the LC module 112 and the upper structured optical substrate 126. This would reduce the overall thickness of the LCD 110. Further, the structured optical substrates 126 and 128 in accordance with the present invention would reduce interference fringe from being created between the substrates, and between the upper substrate and the adjacent LC module 112. Alternatively, only one of the optical substrates 126 and 128 need to be structured in accordance with the present invention (e.g., only the upper optical substrate 126), to provide acceptable interference fringe level and optical diffusion effect. Alternatively, only one of the optical substrates 126 and 128 is provided in the LCD 110.

While the backlight module 114 is shown with a light source 116 placed at an edge of the light guide plate 118, the backlight module may be of another light source configuration, such as an array of LEDs positioned at an edge of a light guide, or a planar array of LEDs in place of the light guide, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

While the illustrated embodiment of the LCD 110 does not include additional pure diffuser films, the optical films in the LCD 110 may include optional upper and/or lower diffuser films, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, it is well within the scope of the present invention to replace the brightness enhancement films 26 and/or 28 in the LCD 10 shown in FIG. 1, to achieve the benefits of the present invention. It is noted that a diffuser film or layer is distinguishable from an optical substrate for brightness enhancement (i.e., brightness or luminance enhancement film discussed below), in that the diffuser film does not have prismatic structures. Diffuser film primarily scatters and spreads light, instead of primarily directing light to enhance luminance in a direction out of the display as in the case of a luminance enhancement film.

The optical substrate of the present invention has prismatic structures and lenticular structures on opposing sides, which are configured to both enhance luminance and diffuse light. Specifically, the optical substrate shown in FIG. 5 includes opposing structured surfaces in accordance with the present invention, which diffuse light as well as redistribute the light passing through such that the distribution of the light exiting the films is directed more along the normal to the surface of the films.

FIG. 6 a illustrates an optical substrate that combines prismatic and lenticular structures on opposing sides of the substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, which can be used as the structured optical substrate 126 and/or 128 in the LCD 110 in FIG. 5. The optical substrate 50 has a structured lenticular surface 52 and a structured prismatic surface 54. In this illustrated embodiment, the structured prismatic surface 54 is a light output surface and the structured lenticular surface 52 is a light input surface.

The prismatic surface 54 includes parallel rows of contiguous or continuous longitudinal prisms 58, extending between two opposing edges of the substrate 50. In the embodiment of FIG. 6 a, the rows of longitudinal prisms 58 are arranged in parallel laterally (side-by-side), defining parallel peaks 60 and valleys 62. The sectional profile of the peak 60 is symmetrical about peak in this embodiment (viewed in the x-z plane). The peak vertex angle may be right angled, and the peaks are of constant or similar height and/or the valleys are of constant or similar depth, across the plane of the prismatic surface 54. The distance or pitch between adjacent peaks/valleys is constant in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 a.

For ease of reference, the following orthogonal x, y, z coordinate system will be adopted in explaining the various directions. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 a, the x-axis is in the direction across the peaks 60 and valleys 62, also referred to as the lateral or transverse direction of the prisms 58. The y-axis is orthogonal to the x-axis, in a generally the longitudinal axis or direction of the prisms 58. The longitudinal direction of prisms 58 would be in reference to the general direction in which the peaks 60 proceed from one end to another end of the prisms 58. The prismatic surface 54 lies in an x-y plane. For a rectangular piece of the optical substrate, the x and y-axes would be along the orthogonal edges of the substrate. The z-axis is orthogonal to the x and y-axes. The edge showing the ends of the laterally arranged rows of prisms 58 lies in the x-z plane, such as shown in FIG. 6 a, which also represents a sectional view in the x-z plane. The prisms 58 each has a constant sectional profile in the x-z plane. References to cross sections of prisms 58 would be sections taken in x-z planes, at various locations along the y-axis. Further, references to a horizontal direction would be in an x-y plane, and references to a vertical direction would be along the z-direction.

The lenticular structured surface 52 comprises a shallow-curved lens structure (e.g., a convex or concave lens structure, or a combination of convex and concave). Particularly, the lenticular structured surface 52 includes parallel, contiguous or continuous rows of lenticular lenses 56, each extending in the x-direction continuously between two opposing edges of the substrate 50. The curved surfaces of adjacent lenticular lenses intersect, defining parallel grooves 51 and crowns 59. For the lenticular lenses 56, the y-axis is in the direction across the grooves 51 and crowns 59, also referred to as the lateral or transverse direction of the lenticular lenses 56. The x-axis represents the longitudinal axis or direction of the lenticular lenses 56. The longitudinal direction of lenticular lenses would be in reference to the general direction in which the crowns 59 proceed from one end to another end of the lenticular lenses 56. The edge showing the ends of the laterally arranged rows of lenticular lenses 56 lies in the y-z plane, such as shown in FIG. 6 a, which also represents a sectional view in the y-z plane. The lenticular lenses 56 each has a constant sectional profile in the y-z plane. References to cross sections of lenticular lenses 56 would be sections taken in y-z planes, at various locations along the x-axis. Further, references to a horizontal direction would be in an x-y plane, and references to a vertical direction would be along the z-direction.

Referring also to FIG. 6 b to FIG. 6 d, which illustrate sectional views taken along the x-axis, the y-axis, and at an angle 45 degrees to the x and y axes. In the illustrated embodiment, the structured prismatic surface 54 and the structured lenticular surface 52 are generally parallel to each other in the overall optical substrate structure (i.e., do not form an overall substrate structure that is generally tapered like a light guide plate in a backlight module, or that is concave or convex). In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 50 comprises three separate layers, including a first structured layer 57 bearing the prismatic surface of prisms 58, a second structured layer 55 bearing the lenticular surface of lenticular lenses 56, and an intermediate planar base layer 53 supporting the layers 55 and 57. The two structured layers 55 and 57 are adhered to the base layer 53 to form the overall optical substrate 50. It can be appreciated that the optical substrate may be formed from a single integrated physical layer of material, instead of three separate physical layers, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The optical substrate 50 may be a unitary or monolithic body, including a base portion bearing the surface structures of prisms and lenticular lenses.

The structured prism surface 54 has a plurality of triangular prisms 58 in the sectional view of FIG. 6 b taken along the x-z plane. The structured lenticular surface 52 has a plurality of curved convex lenses 56 in the sectional view of FIG. 6 c taken along the y-z plane. The triangular prisms 58 lean next to each other defining a contiguous or continuous prismatic structured surface 54, while the lenticular lenses 56 also leans next to each other defining a contiguous or continuous lenticular structured surface 52. The lenticular structured surface 52 contributes to diffusion function and may reduce certain undesired optical defects such as wet-out, Newton's rings, and interference fringes.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 a, the longitudinal direction of the lenticular lenses and the longitudinal direction of the prisms are orthogonal. The longitudinal directions of the lenticular lenses and the prisms may be configured at different included angles α. The included angle α may range from 0° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, in order to provide an optical substrate having satisfactory ability to diffuse light while not significantly reducing the overall brightness. The included angle α may be substantially 90° to provide preferable performance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lenticular layer 55 and the prism layer 57 may be made of the same or different material, and the base layer 53 may be made of a same or different material. The lenticular layer 55 and the prism layer 57 may be formed using an optically transparent material, preferably a polymerizable resin, such an ultraviolet or visible radiation-curable resin, such as UV curable adhesive. Generally, the structured prismatic and lenticular surfaces 56 and 58 are formed by applying a coatable composition comprising a polymerizable and crosslinkable resin onto a master mold or master drum and undergoing a hardening process. For example, the prismatic and lenticular structures are formed on the base layer 53 by die assemblies, press rolling machines, mold pressing assemblies or other equivalent apparatuses. The base layer 53 may be made of a transparent material, such as polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The base layer 53 may instead be made from the same transparent material as the structured layers 55 and 57. The base layer 53 provides the necessary thickness to provide structural integrity to the final film of optical substrate 50.

In another embodiment, the prismatic structured surface 54 can be integrately-formed by molding, pressing, embossing, calendaring or extrusion onto the transparent base film, while the structured lenticular surface 52 is manufactured separately on to the transparent base layer 53 by UV curing with resin.

Further discussions of processes for forming a substrate having structured surfaces may be referenced to U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,164, which had been incorporated by reference herein.

In still another embodiment, the structured lenticular surface 52 can be integrally-formed by molding, pressing, embossing, calendaring or extrusion onto the transparent base layer 53, while the prismatic structured surface 54 is manufactured separately on to the transparent base layer 53 by UV curing with resin.

In a further embodiment, the prismatic structured surface 54 may be formed integrally or separately onto a base film, while the structured lenticular surface may also be formed integrally or separately onto another base film. The two base films is combined back to back by simply stacking or applying adhesives such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) to the films to form a structure equivalent to the base layer 53. It is apparent that many techniques and combinations of manufacture methods may be applied to obtain the combination of the structured prismatic surface, the structured lenticular surface and the base layer, or equivalent thereof.

The dimensions of the optical substrate are generally as follows, for example:

-   -   Thickness of base layer 53=tens of micrometers to several         millimeters     -   Peak height of prism (as measured from the adjacent surface of         the base layer, or if a base layer is integral to the prisms, as         measured from the valley between adjacent non-intersecting         prisms)=tens to hundreds of micrometers     -   Distance of prism valley bottom from top of base layer=about 0.5         to hundreds of micrometers     -   Vertex angle of prism peaks=about 70 to 110 degrees     -   Pitch between adjacent prism peaks=tens to hundreds of         micrometers     -   Crown height of lenticular lens (as measured from the adjacent         surface of the base layer, or if a base layer is integral to the         lenticular lens, as measured from the valley between         non-intersecting adjacent lenses)=1 to 300 micrometers     -   Pitch between adjacent crown heights=10 to several hundred         micrometers

The optical substrates in accordance with the present invention may be used with LCDs to be deployed for displays, for example, for televisions, notebook computers, monitors, portable devices such as cell phones, digital cameras, PDAs and the like, to make the displays brighter.

The effects of the lenticular surface 52 and the prismatic surface 54 and their interactions for various optical substrate configurations can be observed in reference to FIGS. 7( a) to 7(f). FIGS. 7( a) to (f) show comparative parametric study of candela distribution curves for a Lambertian light source incident at optical substrates having different light input and output surfaces. The curves in solid lines represent candela distributions in the X-direction, and the curves in dotted line represent candela distributions in the Y direction. For the examples illustrated in FIG. 7, the X-direction is horizontal, and the Y-direction is into the page.

FIG. 7( a) shows the candela distribution curve for a Lambertian light source, in the absence of any optical substrate. The distributions in the X and Y directions are same.

FIG. 7( b) shows the result for a Lambertian light source incident on a planar PET film. The candela distribution curves are substantially similar to that in FIG. 7( a).

FIG. 7( c) shows the result for a Lambertian light source incident on an optical substrate having a light output surface in the form of a one-dimensional structured prismatic film with the longitudinal axis of the prisms in the Y-direction, without any lenticular structure. The candela distribution curve indicates an obvious enhancement in distribution in primarily X-direction. This improves the brightness by collimating light from a light input surface to a light output surface in the on-axis direction. With the triangular structure of the prismatic output surface of the optical substrate, light is redirected in X-direction when passing through the optical film.

FIG. 7( d) shows the result for a Lambertian light source incident on an optical substrate having a one-dimensional lenticular structured film, in which the longitudinal axis of the lenticular lenses is in the Y-direction. The candela distribution curve indicates light is diverged in X-direction while passing through the lenticular film.

FIG. 7( e) shows the result of a Lambertian light source incident on an optical substrate having a structured lenticular light input surface and a structured prismatic light output surface. The longitudinal axes of the two structured surfaces are rotated with respect to one another by 90°, with the longitudinal axis of the prisms in the Y-direction. The result indicates more enhanced light in the X-direction and more diverged light (i.e., diffusion) in the Y-direction.

FIG. 7( f) shows the result of a Lambertian light source incident on another optical substrate having a structured lenticular light input surface and a structured prismatic light output surface. The longitudinal axes of the two structured surfaces are rotated with respect to one another by 0°, both in the Y-direction. The result indicates enhanced light as well as diverged/diffused light in the same direction.

In accordance with the above comparative study, it is observed that a lenticular light input surface diverges light to effect diffusion, and a prismatic light output surface enhances light in the on-axis direction, in a scattering and refracting manner.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least some lenticular lenses do not intersect each other, leaving the adjacent convex curved lens surfaces discontiguous or discontinuous. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an optical substrate 550 view in the y-z plane (same plane as in FIG. 6 b). The optical substrate 550 includes a base layer 510 and a plurality of lenticular lens 520 having convex curved surfaces 524 formed on the top surface of the base layer 510, and longitudinal prisms 512 (similar to the prisms 58) formed on the bottom surface of the base layer 510. The surface 524 of each of the lenticular lenses 520 corresponds substantially to a section of the surface of a circular cylinders 522 having a radius “r” with center “O” in cross-section, which surface section corresponds to a subtended angle θ, and a subtended arc between point “a” and “b” in cross-section. In the sectional view shown in FIG. 8, the lens 520 corresponds to a segment of the circle 522, which is bounded by the chord a-b and the arc a-b. As shown in FIG. 8, adjacent arcuate surfaces 524 of lenticular lenses 520 do not contact one another to form a contiguous or continuous lens surface, as compared to FIG. 6 b. In this embodiment, the surface 524 of each lens 520 “bottoms” onto the top of the base layer 510, with a flat spacing between adjacent lenses. In this embodiment, the lens width pitch 1 is the same for the discontinuous lenses 520. The spacing pitch 2 may be the same or different between adjacent discontinuous lenses.

In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ of lenticular structure is in the range of 5 degrees to 90 degrees, more preferably in the range of 20 degrees to 65 degrees. The height (H) of the lenticular lens structure (measured from the top of the base layer 510, or if the base layer is integral to the lenticular lens structure, measured from the valley between adjacent non-intersecting or non-overlapping lenticular lenses) is identical, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, more preferably in the range of 2 μm to 50 μm. The curvature of the lenticular lenses is the same. Prism 512 peak height=5 μm to 100 μm; pitch of adjacent prism peaks=10 μm to 500 μm; thickness of base layer 510=5 μm to 1000 μm; Pitch 1=5 μm to 500 μm; Pitch 2=1 μm to 100 μm; distance between centers O of adjacent lenses=5 μm to 500 μm.

In a preferred embodiment, the vertex angle of prisms 512 is in the range of 70 degrees to 110 degrees, more preferably in the range of 80 degrees to 100 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the vertical height (H) of the prism unit is in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, more preferably in the range of 20 μm to 75 μm. Alternatively, the prism unit may or may not have the same vertical heights. In another preferred embodiment, the horizontal pitch of the prisms 512 is in the range of 10 μm to 250 μm, more preferably in the range of 15 μm to 80 μm.

FIG. 9 a is a top perspective view and FIG. 9 b is a sectional view (in the y-z plane) of another embodiment of an optical substrate 551. In this embodiment, the curvature and height of the lenticular lenses 520′ are respectively the same, and the distance pitch 2 between two discontinuous lenticular lenses 520′ of the structured lenticular surface is the same. In this embodiment, the surface 524′ of each lens 520′ does not bottom onto the top of the base layer 510′. The vertical height (H) of the lenticular lens structures (measured from the top of the base layer 510, or if the base layer is integral to the lenticular lenses, measured from the valley between adjacent lenticular lenses) is identical, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 300 μm, more preferably in the range of 2 μm to 50 μm. The curvature of the lenticular lenses is the same. Pitch 1=5 μm to 500 μm; Pitch 2=1 μm to 100 μm.

FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b illustrates another embodiment of an optical substrate 552. In this embodiment, the distance pitch 2 between two discontinuous lenticular lenses 520″ of the structured lenticular surface 524″ is variable or different across the section. The height of the lenticular lenses (measured from the top of the base layer 510, or if the base is integral to the lenticular lenses, measured from the valley between non-intersecting adjacent lenticular lens) is identical, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, more preferably in the range of 2 μm to 50 μm. The curvature of the lenticular lenses is the same. Pitch 1=5 μm to 500 μm; Pitch 2 varies between 1 μm to 100 μm.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate still another embodiment of an optical substrate 553. In this embodiment, the vertical height (H) of the structures of the lenticular lenses 525 is variable. Further, the radius of curvature of different lenticular lenses 525 may also vary and/or different lenticular surfaces may conform to cylinders of different cross-sections other than a circle (e.g., an ellipse or other cross-sections of regular or irregular geometries) and further of varying sizes. Longitudinal lenticular structures having a uniform cross-section defining other convex curve surface profiles are also contemplated (e.g., same profile or different profiles for different lenticular lenses). Pitch 1=5 μm to 500 μm; Pitch 2=1 μm to 100 μm; height varies 0.5 μm to 300 μm.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate yet still another embodiment of an optical substrate 554. In this embodiment, some of the adjacent lenticular lenses intersect or partially overlap each other, thus defining a contiguous or continuous lenticular structured surface with some of the lenticular lenses 526 having an asymmetrical cross-section (as viewed in the y-z plane shown in FIG. 12 b). The vertical height and curvature of the lenticular lenses 526 are respectively the same between the lenses. Pitch 1=5 μm to 500 μm; the extent of intersection may be between 1 μm to 50 μm overlap of the edges of adjacent lenticular lenses.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate a further embodiment of an optical substrate 555. In this embodiment, the lenticular lenses 527 are discontinuous across in the y-direction (as shown in the illustrated sectional view). Portions of adjacent lenticular lenses 527 may be adjoining or contiguous. The lenticular lenses 527 swing laterally (in the y-direction), along the longitudinal direction (x-direction) of the lenses. In one embodiment, the lenticular structure may be viewed as comprising rows of laterally meandering longitudinal lenticular lenses and/or sections of continuous curved segments (i.e., sections with a curve in a particular direction, or generally C-shaped or S-shaped curve sections) coupled end-to-end to form the overall meandering longitudinal lenticular lens structure. In one embodiment, the laterally meandering rows of longitudinal lenticular structures are arranged in parallel laterally (side-by-side in the y-direction). In one embodiment, the lateral waviness is regular with a constant or variable wavelength and/or wave amplitude (or extent of lateral deformation). The lateral waviness may generally follow a sinusoidal profile, or other curved profile. In another embodiment, the lateral waviness may be of random wavelength and/or wave amplitude. In one embodiment, the vertical height, curvature, surface profile, and/or width of the lenticular lenses 527 respectively may be the same for adjacent lenses across a particular cross-sectional plane, and may be constant or varying for different cross-sectional plane along the longitudinal x-direction. Pitch 1=5 μm to 500 μm; Pitch 2=0 μm to 100 μm

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 13 a and 13 b. In this embodiment of an optical substrate 556, some of the adjacent laterally meandering lenticular lenses intersect or partially overlap each other, thus defining a contiguous or continuous lenticular surface at some locations along the length of each lenticular lens 528. Those adjacent lenticular lenses 528 that intersect would have an asymmetrical cross-section (as viewed in the y-z plane shown in FIG. 14 b; see also FIG. 12 b). The lenticular lenses 528 have the same height. Other structures may be similar to those in the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 14 c to 14 f illustrate a variation of the laterally meandering lenticular lenses 528 shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b. As illustrated, part of the lenticular lenses 528′ in FIGS. 14 c to 14 f intersect or partially or completely overlap each other, thus defining a contiguous or continuous lenticular structured surface on the optical substrate 556′. Essentially, the lenticular lenses 528′ combine the height varying feature of the lenticular lenses 528 in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, and the intersecting feature of the lenticular lenses 526 in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b. As shown in the x-y plane of FIG. 14 d, the lenticular lenses 528′ are not all longitudinally continuous from one edge to an opposing edge of the optical substrate 556′. Some of the lenticular lens 528′ appear as longitudinal segments that are shorter, having a terminating end at a place (e.g., 580 and 581), where one section of a lenticular lens 528′ completely overlaps another lenticular lens 528. There are spaces or flats (e.g., at 582 and 583) between the lenticular lenses 528′.

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate a further embodiment of an optical substrate 557. In this embodiment, adjacent lenticular lenses 529 are separated by a spacing, and the height varies along the length of each lenticular lens in the x-direction. In this illustrated embodiment, as the height varies along a lens, the sectional surface profile varies in the x direction. The height variation may generally follow a sinusoidal profile, or other curved profile, in regular, constant, varying or random wavelength and/or wave amplitude. The width of the lenses (e.g., pitch 1 between point “a” to point “b” as shown in FIG. 8) is the same for adjacent lenses, and constant along each lens in the x-direction. In an alternate embodiment, the width may also vary between adjacent lenses or along the x-direction for one or more of the lenses. The spacing (e.g., pitch 2 as shown in FIG. 8) between lenses may be constant across a section as shown in FIG. 14 b (also shown in FIG. 9 b) or may be varying across a section (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10 b). Pitch 1=5 μm to 500 μm; Pitch 2=0 μm to 100 μm; range of height variations=1 μm to 50 μm.

FIGS. 15 c to 15 f illustrate a variation of the height varying lenticular lenses 529 shown in FIGS. 15 a and 15 b. As illustrated, the longitudinal lenticular lenses 529′ in FIGS. 15 c to 15 f intersect or partially overlap each other, thus defining a contiguous or continuous lenticular structured surface on the optical substrate 557′. Essentially, the longitudinal lenticular lenses 529′ combine the height varying feature of the lenticular lenses 529 in FIGS. 15 a and 15 b, and the intersecting feature of the longitudinal lenticular lenses 526 in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b.

FIG. 16 a to 16 b illustrate still another embodiment of an optical substrate 558. In this embodiment, instead of the continuous longitudinal lenticular structure extending across the entire optical substrate as in the prior embodiments, it is broken into lenticular segments. Referring also to FIG. 17, each lenticular segment 530 is generally in an elongated, slender structure having rounded ends. The overall structure of the lenticular segment 530 is symmetrical in the x-y plane, resembling a segment of an ellipsoid. The top view of the structure of the lenticular segment 530 shown in FIG. 17 c is generally a symmetrical, slender, elongated or flat elliptic-like structure. The longitudinal sectional profile of the lenticular segment 530 shown in FIG. 17 a is generally slender and elongated curved surface, resembling the top of an ellipse. In an alternate embodiment, the planar geometry of the lenticular segments may be asymmetric. The lenticular segments 530 are isolated or separated from each other in this embodiment. The transverse sectional profile of the lenticular segment 530 shown in FIG. 7 b is generally cylindrical surface, resembling the sectional profiles in the earlier embodiments. In this embodiment, the vertical height (H) along each lenticular segment may be viewed to vary a great degree along the longitudinal x-direction. The overall height of the lenticular segments 530 is the same. By controlling the surface curvature, the ratio of the pitch (L) and height (H), the lenticular segment 530 can effect light diffusion in the x-y plane (i.e., along the x and y directions). The dimensions of the segment 530: length L1=1 μm to 5000 μm; pitch L2=0.5 μm to 2000 μm; H=0.1 μm to 500 μm. The distribution of the segments 530 is from about 30% to 100% coverage of the area of the optical substrate. It is noted that 100% coverage means the lenticular segments are overlapping (see, for example, FIG. 19 and discussion below).

FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate variations of the lenticular segments on the structured lenticular surface of optical substrates, in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. Other than the lenticular segments, the remaining structures in the various embodiments may be similar to those in FIG. 16.

In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the elliptic-like lenticular segments 532 on the optical substrate 559 are asymmetrical (not symmetrical) in the x-y plane, as compared to the lenticular segment 530 in the FIG. 16 embodiment.

In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the elliptical-like lenticular segments 534 are symmetrical, but intersect or partially overlap each other on the optical substrate 560, as compared to the lenticular segment 530 in the FIG. 16 embodiment. The illustrated structured surface can provide better diffusion.

In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the elliptical-like lenticular segments 535 are asymmetrical and intersect or partially overlap each other on the optical substrate 561, as compared to the FIG. 19 embodiment. The illustrated structured surface can also provide better diffusion.

In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the elliptical-like lenticular segments 536 are symmetrical and intersect or partially overlap each other on the optical substrate 562, similar to the FIG. 19 embodiment, but the surface of the lenticular segments 536 in this embodiment is roughened or textured with dents, lines, cracks, pits, and/or protrusions, etc. to increase diffusion effect. FIG. 21 b shows an SEM photograph of the textured surface of the lenticular segments. The lenticular structures in the other embodiments disclosed herein may also be similarly textured.

Experimental Results

Various sample optical substrates have been evaluated for the effect of angle and Refractive Index versus haze and gain, and the effect on interference fringes.

Haze measurement is made on sample optical substrates having only lenticular lenses on the light input surface without prisms on the opposing light output surface. Haze is measured by placing the respective optical substrates in a haze meter (e.g., Haze Turbidity Meter by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co. Ltd., Model No. NDH-2000).

Gain of sample optical substrates is evaluated using a colorimeter (e.g., TopCon BM7 Luminance colorimeter), to determine the on-axis luminance emitting from backlight through optical substrates of the present invention, which have both structured prismatic light output surface and structured lenticular light input surface (i.e., prism structures and lenticular structures are present on opposing sides of the optical substrate). On-axis luminance is the intensity of light emitting normal to the test samples. Data was reported as the luminance in candela per square meter (cd/m2). For the evaluation of gain, a lower diffuser sheet is placed on the backlight, which is interposed between the backlight and each sample optical substrate under evaluation. No other optical films or LC module is being used for gain evaluation. The luminance value for each sample optical substrate is measured. The luminance value of the same backlight with only the same lower diffuser sheet is measured. The value of on-axis luminance gain is expressed as the ratio of the measured luminance value of a sample optical substrate (with the intermediate lower diffuser) to the measured luminance value of the backlight with the lower diffuser only.

Interference fringe effect of the sample optical substrates of the present invention are simply observed by the naked eye using the backlight, with intermediate layers of a lower diffuser sheet placed on the backlight, and a prismatic luminance enhancement sheet (with no lenticular structures on the light input side) between the sample optical substrate and the lower diffuser sheet.

The flat ratio is the ratio of Pitch 2/(Pitch 2+Pitch 1). For all the experiments, pitch 1 is constant for the sample optical substrates.

Experiment A

Table 1 shows the effects of the angle θ of the lenticular structure (e.g., similar to embodiment shown in FIG. 6 a, with flat ratio at 0%) on gain and diffusion/haze. It has been observed that interference fringes are eliminated and the gain maintained between 1.49 and 1.54 for angle θ in the range of 16 degrees to 66 degrees.

TABLE 1 Haze (single side lenticular structure with Lenticular structure Flat no prism Gain Radius Angle θ Refractive Angle α ratio structure) (with prism structure on Dark and bright (μm) (deg.) Index (deg.) % % the light output side) fringes 600 6 1.48 90 0 2.38 1.55 Observed 600 16 1.48 90 0 20.25 1.54 Observed 600 26 1.48 90 0 42.92 1.53 Very slight 58 36 1.48 90 0 58.04 1.53 Not observed 600 46 1.48 90 0 65.6 1.51 Not observed 600 56 1.48 90 0 70.83 1.49 Not observed 58 66 1.48 90 0 72.9 1.51 Not observed 58 82 1.48 90 0 78.24 1.42 Not observed 58 106 1.48 90 0 79.09 1.25 Not observed 58 120 1.48 90 0 81.01 1.23 Not observed 58 144 1.48 90 0 81.18 1.20 Not observed

Experiment B

Table 2 shows the effects of the refractive index of the lenticular structure (e.g., structure shown in FIGS. 6 a and 8 with zero flat ratio). At bigger angles θ, haze is higher but gain is lower. Haze will increase when the refractive index of lenticular structure increases. However, the gain of optical substrate will decrease. It appears that the preferred refractive index of lenticular structure is in the range of 1.45 to 1.58.

TABLE 2 Haze (single side lenticular structure with Lenticular structure Flat no prism Gain Radius Angle θ Refractive Angle α ratio structure) (with prism structure on Dark and bright (μm) (deg.) Index (deg.) % % the light output side) fringes 58 82 1.56 90 0 87.2 1.34 Not observed 58 66 1.56 90 0 75.7 1.48 Not observed 58 52 1.56 90 0 71.8 1.51 Not observed 58 36 1.56 90 0 63.0 1.51 Not observed 58 82 1.48 90 0 78.2 1.42 Not observed 58 66 1.48 90 0 72.9 1.51 Not observed 58 52 1.48 90 0 68.4 1.53 Not observed 58 36 1.48 90 0 58.0 1.53 Not observed

Experiment C

Table 3 shows there is no significant change in haze and gain while changing lenticular radius (e.g., structure shown in FIGS. 6 a and 8 with zero flat ratio). However, angle θ is significant to changes in haze and gain.

TABLE 3 Haze (single side lenticular structure with Lenticular structure Flat no prism Gain Radius Angle θ Refractive Angle α ratio structure) (with prism structure on Dark and bright (μm) (deg.) Index (deg.) % % the light output side) fringes 7.8 106 1.48 90 0 77.2 1.35 Not observed 23 106 1.48 90 0 81.5 1.34 Not observed 58 106 1.48 90 0 79.1 1.25 Not observed 7.8 66 1.48 90 0 70.5 1.51 Not observed 23 66 1.48 90 0 70.0 1.51 Not observed 58 66 1.48 90 0 72.9 1.51 Not observed 7.8 36 1.48 90 0 29.3 1.55 observed 23 36 1.48 90 0 50.9 1.54 Not observed 58 36 1.48 90 0 58.0 1.53 Not observed

Experiment D

Table 4 shows the effects of the flat ratio of the optical substrate, such as embodiment shown in FIG. 9. At low flat ratio, the optical substrate has higher haze and interference fringes may be eliminated. When the flat ratio of the optical substrate is higher, the ability to eliminate the interference fringes decreased. The preferable flat ratio of the optical film does not exceed 10%.

TABLE 4 Haze (single side lenticular structure with Lenticular structure no prism Gain Radius Angle θ Refractive Angle α Flat ratio structure) (with prism structure on Dark and bright (μm) (deg.) Index (deg.) % % the light output side) fringes 58 106 1.48 90 7.76 74.7 1.27 Not observed 58 106 1.48 90 34.70 61.4 1.34 Observed 58 106 1.48 90 61.64 50.8 1.37 Observed

Experiment E

In this experiment, the two optical substrates are rotated with respect to one another to vary the angle α (see embodiment of FIG. 6 a). Table 5, the angle α can be substantially 90° to provide a brightness enhancement film having acceptable diffusion that also exhibits good gain.

TABLE 5 Haze (single side lenticular structure with Lenticular structure no prism Gain Radius Angle θ Angle α Flat ratio structure) (with prism structure on (μm) (deg.) Refractive Index (deg.) % % the light output side) 600 6 1.48 0 0 2.4 1.55 600 16 1.48 0 0 20.3 1.52 600 26 1.48 0 0 42.9 1.48 600 6 1.48 45 0 2.4 1.55 600 16 1.48 45 0 20.3 1.52 600 26 1.48 45 0 42.9 1.49 600 6 1.48 75 0 2.4 1.55 600 16 1.48 75 0 20.3 1.53 600 26 1.48 75 0 42.9 1.49 600 6 1.48 90 0 2.4 1.55 600 16 1.48 90 0 20.4 1.54 600 26 1.48 90 0 42.9 1.53

Given the afore-described embodiments and experimental results, one can reasonably anticipate the effects of selecting and/or combining the different features of structured surfaces to reduce interference fringes and increase gain, without compromising acceptable diffusion, as well as achieve the other benefits of the present invention noted above. For example, the level of light scatting is controlled by parameters including refractive index (RI) of resin, radius of curvature of the lenticular lenses, subtended angle/height of the lenticular lens, flat ratio, etc. It is clear that there is synergy in the combination of the structured lenticular light input surface and the structured prismatic light output surface to achieve the benefits of the present invention.

While the afore-described optical substrates comprising a prismatic structured surface and an opposite lenticular structured surface, diffusion can be accomplished while reducing certain undesired optical effects such as wet-out, Newton's rings or interference fringes, without significantly reducing overall brightness. While the lenticular structured surface reduces cutoff effect (manifested as a rainbow at the cutoff) between perceived dark and light regions to some extent at certain angle of view or observation, a more gradual or soft cutoff would be desirable for certain display applications.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the lenticular structure surface of the optical substrate comprises a shallow-curved lens structure having “ripples” distributed along the lenticular structure (which may be otherwise uniform in cross section). The ripples may resemble knots or a series of knots. The level of light scatting would then be controlled by parameters including density of the ripples, in addition to refractive index (RI) of resin, radius of curvature of the lenticular lenses, subtended angle/height of the lenticular lens, flat ratio, etc.

FIGS. 22 a to 22 d illustrate an optical substrate 70 having a knotted structured lenticular surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the structure of the optical substrate 70 is essentially similar to the optical substrate 50 shown in FIG. 6 a and described above, except for the addition of isolated knots 86 on the structured lenticular surface 72 as further explained below, and a structured prismatic surface 74 having prism heights alternately varying along the prisms 78. Both structured layers are supported by the base layer 53.

The shallow-curved convex lenses 76 are provided with ripples in the form of pre-defined isolated knots 86 distributed in the x-direction, along the otherwise continuous, uniform lenticular lenses 76. The knots 86 are each in the form of a section of an annular band around the cylindrical surface of the lenticular lenses 76. In the sectional view of FIG. 22 a, the knots 86 have a convex curved sectional profile. The pre-defined knots 86 on the structured lenticular surface 72 scatter light in the longitudinal x direction parallel to the longitudinal lenticular lenses 76, and the shallow-curved lenticular lenses can scatter light in the lateral y direction perpendicular to longitudinal lenticular lenses 76, so the shallow-curved lens structure with pre-defined knots surface can improve diffusion effect as compared to the earlier embodiment of FIG. 6 a, for example. Accordingly, the knots 86 contribute to diffusion and also reduce certain undesirable optical defects such as cutoff-effect (rainbow), Newton's rings, and interference fringes. The knots may be several micrometers to hundreds of micrometers wide (in the x-direction, viewed in section as shown in FIG. 22 a), and one micrometer to tens of micrometers above or below the adjacent surface of the lenticular lens. The distance between isolated knots 86 along a lenticular lens may be several micrometers to thousands of micrometers.

In this embodiment, the longitudinal prisms 78 have peaks alternating between two heights (about 3 μm difference in heights) along the longitudinal y direction. The prismatic structured surface 74 can improve brightness by collimating light incident on the structured lenticular light to emit light in an on-axis direction.

The triangular prisms 78 lean next to each other defining a continuous or contiguous prismatic structured surface, while the shallow-curved lenses 76 also lean next to each other defining a continuous or contiguous lenticular structured surface 72. As in earlier embodiments, the longitudinal directions of the lenticular lenses 76 and the prisms 78 may be configured at different included angles α. The included angle α may range from 0° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, to provide an optical substrate having satisfactory ability to diffuse light while not significantly reducing the overall brightness. The included angle α may be substantially 90° to provide preferable performance. The fabrication of the optical substrate 70 may involve similar processes as in earlier embodiments.

FIGS. 23 a to 23 c illustrate still another embodiment of structured lenticular surface having ripples 185 resembling a series of adjoining knots 186 on the structure lenticular light input surface 172 of the optical substrate 170, as compared to the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 22. Other than the ripples 185, the remaining structure of the optical substrate 170 may be similar to those in the optical substrate 70 in the FIG. 22 embodiment. In particular, the shallow-curved convex lenses 176 are provided with isolated predefined ripples 185 in the form of a series of knots 186 distributed in the x-direction, along the otherwise continuous, uniform lenticular lenses 176. In this embodiment, the series of knots 186 form ripples 185 on the otherwise uniform longitudinal lenticular lenses 176, including connected knots 186 of different widths and/or thicknesses/heights (viewed in a sectional view in the x-z plane). There may be a series of two to tens of knots in each ripple 185. The distance between isolated ripples 185 (series of knots 186) along a lenticular lens may be several micrometers to thousands of micrometers. The ripples 185 on the structured lenticular surface 172 scatter light in the longitudinal x direction parallel to the longitudinal lenticular lenses 176, and the shallow-curved lenticular lenses can scatter light in the lateral y direction perpendicular to longitudinal lenticular lenses 176, so the shallow-curved lens structure with pre-defined rippled surface can improve diffusion effect as compared to the earlier embodiment of FIG. 6 a, for example. Accordingly, the ripples 185 contribute to diffusion and also reduce certain undesirable optical defects such as cutoff-effect (rainbow), Newton's rings, and interference fringes.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the knots 186 in each ripple 185 (i.e., a series of knots) are not at the same height. As more clearly shown in FIG. 23 b, the ripples 185 of each lenticular lens 176 have heights varying along a sine curve or any other defined curve, or a curve varying in a randomed/pseudo-randomed manner. However, some or all the knots in a ripple can be of the same height. Further, some or all of the ripples may be similar or different viewed in x-z section (i.e. viewed in FIG. 23 b).

It is well within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide ripples on the other embodiments of lenticular structures disclosed herein, to improve diffusion characteristics.

Experimental Results

The effects, namely cutoff effect (rainbow) achieved by knotted lenticular lens structure as light input surface may be judged by the naked eye. FIG. 24 a is a photograph showing visual perception of two optical substrates at certain view angle, each having only structured prismatic output surface (no structured lenticular light input surface), on a back light (e.g., a light guide and a bottom diffuser) background. FIG. 24 b is a photograph showing visual perception of two optical substrates at certain view angle, each having a light input surface having a rippled lenticular lens structure and a light output surface having a prismatic structure, on a back light. Comparing FIG. 24 a to FIG. 24 b, the transitions (circled area) between perceived darkness and brightness exhibit a sharper cutoff, which is accompanied by a rainbow at the transitions in FIG. 24 a, but the transitions between perceived darkness and brightness are more gradual without any obvious rainbow in FIG. 24 b. According to these results, it is clear that the shallow-curved lens structure with pre-defined knots can effectively reduce rainbow.

Given the ability for the shallow-curved lens structure with pre-defined knots to provide better diffusion effects, there would be more parameters to control diffusion over a two dimensional plane (i.e., across the x-y plane) of the optical substrate. The diffusion characteristics in the x direct of the optical substrate may be varied by selecting the height and density of the knots. The diffusion characteristics in the y-direction may be varied by selecting the curvature radius, and subtended angle θ of the shallow-curved lens. Accordingly, optical substrates can be designed to provide the appropriate gain and haze for different backlit modules to achieve the desired display quality in different LCD applications.

Given the afore-described embodiments and experimental results, one can reasonably anticipate the effects of selecting and/or combining the different features of structured surfaces to reduce interference fringes and increase gain, without compromising acceptable diffusion, as well as achieve the other benefits of the present invention noted above.

In a further embodiment, the structured prismatic light output surface may include varying peak heights, and predefined structural irregularities distributed in the structure surface. The pre-defined irregularities introduced may be in-kind to anticipated structural defects arising from manufacturing, such as non-facet flat sections in the prism structure (e.g., at peaks or valleys) of the structured surface. The structural irregularities are distributed across the structured light output surface in at least one of orderly, semi-orderly, random, and quasi-random manner. The predefined irregularities introduced into the structured light output surface could mask certain user perceivable defects caused by structural defects that have been unintentionally included in the structured light output surface from the manufacturing process. Further reference to the defect masking effect of predefined structural irregularities may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,647, which had been commonly assigned to the assignee of the present application, and which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

In another embodiment, the structured prismatic light output surface may include, in the alternate or in addition, irregular prism structures, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,164, which had been commonly assigned to the assignee of the present application, and which is fully incorporated by reference herein. In the alternate or in addition, the structured prismatic light output surface may include anti-chatter structures, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,944, which had been commonly assigned to the assignee of the present application, and which is fully incorporated by reference herein. In the alternate or in addition, the structured prismatic light output surface may include rows of laterally arranged snaking, wavy or meandering longitudinal prism structures, as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/854,815 filed on Aug. 11, 2010, which had been commonly assigned to the assignee of the present application, and which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

It is contemplated within the scope and spirit of the present invention, further combination of two of more of the above described structured surface features may be implemented to be present in a single optical substrate, to obtain the desired optimal result for a particular application with an LC module.

In accordance with the present invention, the optical substrate (e.g., 50 in FIG. 6 a) comprises a prismatic, structured light output surface and a structure lenticular light input surface, which together enhances brightness, reduces interference fringes, and provides acceptable diffusion characteristics, when applied in an LCD for example. An inventive LCD incorporating the inventive optical substrate in accordance with the present invention may be deployed in an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 25, an electronic 110 (which may be one of a PDA, mobile phone, television, display monitor, portable computer, refrigerator, etc.) comprises the inventive LCD 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The LCD 100 comprises the inventive optical substrate described above. The electronic device 110 may further include within a suitable housing, a user input interface such as keys and buttons (schematically represented by the block 116), image data control electronics, such as a controller (schematically represented by block 112) for managing image data flow to the LCD 100, electronics specific to the electronic device 110, which may include a processor, A/D converters, memory devices, data storage devices, etc. (schematically collectively represented by block 118), and a power source such as a power supply, battery or jack for external power source (schematically represented by block 114), which components are well known in the art.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed structures and processes of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing descriptions, it is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of this invention if they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical substrate having a light input surface and a light output surface on opposing sides, comprising: a structured prismatic surface defined at the light output surface, wherein the structured prismatic surface comprises longitudinal prismatic structures having longitudinal axes in a first longitudinal direction; and a structured lenticular surface defined at the light input surface, wherein the structured lenticular surface comprises shallow-curved convex lens structure having longitudinal axes in a second longitudinal direction, wherein the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction are not parallel, wherein the shallow-curved convex lens structure comprises longitudinal lenticular lenses distributed across the light input surface, and wherein at least portions of two laterally adjacent longitudinal lenticular lenses intersect to form the contiguous lens structure.
 2. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction are orthogonal.
 3. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal lenticular lenses are arranged in parallel across the light input surface.
 4. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein at least portions of two laterally adjacent longitudinal lenticular lenses form a contiguous lens structure.
 5. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein at least portions of two laterally adjacent longitudinal lenticular lenses are spaced apart.
 6. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein the shallow-curved convex lens structure is continuous across the light input surface.
 7. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein the shallow-curved convex lens structure is discontinuous across the light input surface.
 8. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the longitudinal lenticular lenses is not continuous along the second longitudinal direction.
 9. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the longitudinal lenticular lenses meanders laterally.
 10. An optical substrate as in claim 9, wherein said at least one of the meandering lenticular lenses intersects an adjacent longitudinal lenticular lens.
 11. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein height of at least one of the longitudinal lenticular lenses varies along the second longitudinal direction.
 12. An optical substrate as in claim 1, wherein at least one the longitudinal lenticular lenses is in the form of a lenticular segment that does not extend between opposing edges of the substrate.
 13. An optical substrate as in claim 12, wherein there are multiple lenticular segments, and wherein adjacent lenticular segments intersect to form the contiguous lens structure.
 14. A display, comprising: a display module displaying an image in accordance with an image data; a backlight module providing illumination to the display module; and an optical substrate as in claim 1, positioned between the display module and the backlight module, diffusing and enhancing brightness of the illumination to the display module, wherein the light input surface faces towards the display backlight module, and the light output surface faces the display module.
 15. An electronic device, comprising: a flat panel display as in claim 14; and control electronics directing image data to the flat panel display to render an image in accordance with the image data.
 16. An optical substrate having a light input surface and a light output surface on opposing sides, comprising: a structured prismatic surface defined at the light output surface, wherein the structured prismatic surface comprises longitudinal prismatic structures having longitudinal axes in a first longitudinal direction; and a structured lenticular surface defined at the light input surface, wherein the structured lenticular surface comprises shallow-curved convex lens structure having longitudinal axes in a second longitudinal direction, wherein the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction are not parallel, wherein the shallow-curved convex lens structure comprises longitudinal lenticular lenses distributed across the light input surface, and wherein at least one of the longitudinal lenticular lenses is provided with isolated ripples.
 17. An optical substrate as in claim 16, wherein at least one of the ripples comprises a knot structure.
 18. An optical substrate as in claim 16, wherein at least one of the ripples comprises a series of adjoining knots. 